Juan José Lobato has won the first stage of the Tour de l'Ain. Team LottoNL-Jumbo's 28-year-old rider finished with a bicycle length difference in the bunch sprint after 3 hours and 11 minutes racing. It was Lobato's first victory in the jersey of Team LottoNL-Jumbo, bringing the team's season total to 20 wins. In addition, Lobato took first place in the general classification too.

Lobato responded emotionally to the triumph: "I'm very happy with my first victory for Team LottoNL-Jumbo. I dedicate it to my late uncle Antonio and my family, who always supported me. The start of my season was not as I had imagined, but I never lost faith in myself. In addition, I would also like to thank the team for their support in this difficult period."

Sports Director Frans Maassen also noticed Lobato’s emotions afther the race. "The death of his uncle, who was very close to him, carried him to this victory. With the help of Steven Kruijswijk, racing in front of the bunch on the final climb together with Amund Grøndahl Jansen, perfectly brought Lobato to the finish. The way he finished it off, didn’t surprise me at all”, said Maassen.